Kabul Tea Cost Pakistan Dearly: Ishaq Dar
Dar was in London on an official visit, where he held meetings with the British government and Pakistani expatriates: Report
London, September 9, 2024: In a recent press conference held at the Pakistani High Commission in London, Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar sharply criticized the previous administration led by Imran Khan for its economic and security decisions. Dar linked the mistakes of the former government to the recent rise in terrorism and economic challenges faced by Pakistan, stating, “The cup of tea in Kabul has cost Pakistan dearly.”
According to news reports, Dar addressed the issues surrounding Pakistan-UK relations as well as the country’s current political and security situation. He expressed regret over the errors made by past government and military officials but remained hopeful about the country’s future. Dar was in London on an official visit, where he held meetings with the British government and Pakistani expatriates.
During the press conference, Dar made significant remarks about a three-star general who visited Kabul for tea, referencing a widely circulated video from September 2021, weeks after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul. In the video, the then-ISI chief was seen sipping tea in Kabul and assured a journalist that everything would be fine. Dar implied that the decisions made by Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, particularly regarding the release of militants in Balochistan, are linked to the current surge in terrorism.
When asked if Lieutenant General Hameed had traveled to Kabul with the permission of then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dar responded that it was difficult for him to believe that such a visit could occur without the Prime Minister’s consent. He emphasized that the current military establishment is highly professional and dedicated solely to Pakistan’s interests, with no concern for who is in government or opposition.
Dar praised the current military leadership, noting that their commitment to the country is commendable. He assured that they are working diligently to address security and political issues, reinforcing that such significant decisions would not be made without the necessary approvals.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s statements highlight ongoing concerns about past administrative decisions and their impact on Pakistan’s security and political landscape, while also expressing confidence in the current leadership’s ability to steer the country forward.
